A DISCOURSE 


ON  OCCASION  OF  THE  DEATH  OF  THE 

REVEREND  WILBUR  FISK,  Di  D., 


PRESIDENT  OF  THE  WESLEYAN 


UNIVERSITY 


■irt.,£PSirrof-^^ 


DELIVERED  IN  THE  GREENE-STREET  CHURCH, 
NEW-YORK, 


ON  THE  EVENING  OF  THE  29th  OF  MARCH,  1839. 


BY  NATHAN  BANGS,  D.  D. 


rUBLISHED  BY  THE  BEQUEST  OF  THOSE  WHO  HEARD  IT. 


NEW-YORK  : 

PUBLISHED  BY  T.  MASON  AND  G.  LANE, 

FOR  THE  METHODIST  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH,  AT  THE  CONFERENCE 
OFFICE,  200  MULBERRY-STREET. 


J.  Collord,  Printer, 

1839. 


UNIVERSITY  OF 
ILLINOIS  LIBRARY 
AT  IJRBANA-CHAMPAIGN 


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Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2016 


https://archive.org/details/discourseonoccasOObang 


DISCOURSE. 


fc 

F 53/ 


“ Who  then  is  that  faithful  and  wise  steward,  whom  his  Lord  shall  make  ruler 
over  his  household,  to  give  them  their  portion  of  meat  in  due  season  ?”  Luke 
xii,  42. 

We  mourn  to-night,  my  brethren,  the  loss  of  no  ordinary 
man  ! Dr.  Fisk,  whose  thrilling  accents  you  heard  for  the  last 
time  in  this  church,  when  he  so  feelingly  and  eloquently  plead 
the  cause  of  missions,  is  no  more1  Did  I say,  no  more?  I 
correct  myself.  He  is  no  more  among  us.  That  noble  figure 
has  ceased  to  live  and  move  on  the  theatre  of  this  life.  That 
countenance,  beaming  with  intelligence,  and  smiling  with  bene- 
volence, is  for  ever  hid  from  our  sight.  Nor  will  that  voice, 
which  has  so  often  been  heard  in  accents  of  warning  and  in- 
struction, ever  more  be  heard  in  our  earthly  sanctuaries.  Its 
last  echo  within  these  walls,  on  the  eve  of  the  departure  of  the 
mission  family  for  Africa  in  December  last,  seems  still  sounding 
in  our  ears,  while  its  dying  cadences  are  wasted  in  the  sur- 
rounding atmosphere. 

Yet  he  lives  ! He  lives  in  the  recollection  of  thousands,  to 
whom  he  was  endeared  by  the  strongest  ties  of  affection,  and 
who  will  long  venerate  his  memory  as  an  able  minister  of  Jesus 
Christ.  He  lives — and  will  long  live  and  speak  in  those  vo- 
lumes which  he  has  left  as  records  of  his  worth,  and  as  an 
evidence  of  his  deep  devotion  to  the  cause  of  God — of  his 
ability  to  expound  and  defend  the  truth,  while  he  stretched 
his  thoughts  over  a wide  field  in  search  of  theological,  moral, 
and  philosophical  science. 

But  he  lives  in  a still  higher  sense.  Though  his  body  is 
committed  to  the  tomb,  and  the  monuments  of  his  worth  al- 
ready alluded  to  should  cease  to  exist,  yet  that  immortal  mind 
which  once  actuated  the  one,  and  by  its  native  energies,  under 
the  gracious  influence  of  the  Divine  Spirit,  produced  the  others, 
lives  in  perennial  bliss.  No  longer  shrouded  by  that  mortal 
body,  nor  impeded  in  its  expansive  powers  by  its  sluggish  na- 
ture, nor  dependent  upon  its  functions  either  for  the  reception 


4 


of  its  ideas  or  for  the  exercise  of  its  energies,  that  undying  soul, 
purified  by  the  blood  of  the  Lamb,  is  now  enjoying  the  fruits 
of  its  labors  and  sufferings  in  the  full  fruition  of  that  life  which 
shall  never  end. 

But,  though  in  this  sense  he  lives,  and  will  for  ever  live,  he 
is  in  another  sense  dead  to  us.  And  we  mourn  his  departure 
from  among  us  the  more  exquisitely,  because  we  find  it  so 
difficult  to  supply  his  place.  On  this  topic,  however,  it  does 
not  become  the  speaker  nor  the  occasion  to  dwell.  “ Sufficient 
unto  the  day  is  the  evil  thereof.”  And  without  anticipating 
evils  which  we  may  never  live  to  realize,  permit  me  to  call 
your  attention, 

I.  To  a brief  exposition  of  the  text. 

II.  To  show,  by  a short  account  of  the  life  and  character  oi 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Fisk,  that  he  comes  under  the  denomination 
of  a “ faithful  and  wise  steward,  whom  his  Lord  appointed  ruler 
over  his  household.” 

The  text  directs  our  attention  to  the  following  particu- 
lars : — 

1.  The  household.  By  this  expression,  I shall  understand 
the  Church  of  the  living  God.  This  is  composed  of  various 
members,  of  different  ages,  sexes,  capacities,  dispositions,  and 
pursuits  in  life.  These  require  food  / that  is,  instruction,  ad- 
monition, reproof,  or  encouragement,  suited  to  their  respective 
ages,  capacities,  dispositions,  and  their  several  callings.  To 
enumerate  these,  and  to  speak  of  the  mode  of  instruction  suited 
to  each  class,  would  require  more  time  than  can  be  devoted  to 
a single  discourse.  Suffice  it  therefore  to  say,  on  the  present 
occasion,  that  it  is  the  business  of  a faithfid  and  wise  steward 
to  seek  out  these  several  members  of  God’s  household,  to  ascer- 
tain their  wants,  and  to  furnish  them  with  the  needful  “ food” — 
or  that  system  of  instruction,  which  is  suited  to  their  various 
conditions  and  circumstances  in  life,— that  they  may  be  directed 
aright,  and  be  amply  supplied  with  all  things  essential  to  their 
intellectual,  moral,  and  spiritual  welfare. 

2.  The  faithful  and  wise  steward , I shall  understand  as 
designating  that  minister  or  pastor  whom  God  hath  appointed 
over  his  household.  That  man  may  be  denominated  wise  who 
perfectly  understands  the  peculiar  duties  of  his  profession.  He 
is  a wise  statesman  who  understands  the  condition,  the  wants, 
the  rights  and  privileges,  as  well  as  the  dangers  of  his  country, 


5 


and  knows  how  to  adapt  his  measures  and  laws  to  its  circum- 
stances, so  as  to  supply  its  wants,  defend  its  rights,  protect  its 
privileges,  and  secure  to  it  the  greatest  amount  of  prosperity 
and  happiness.  He  is  a wise  jurist  who  understands  and 
knows  how  to  administer  the  laws  of  his  country,  so  as  to 
secure  to  its  citizens  the  ends  of  justice  and  equity.  The  same 
may  be  said  of  every  other  professional  man.  If  he  understands 
the  principles  of  his  profession,  so  as  to  be  able  to  carry  them 
into  execution  intelligibly,  to  apply  them  to  the  various  exi- 
gencies which  may  arise  in  the  discharge  of  his  duty,  he  is  a 
wise  man,  and  his  judgment  may  therefore  be  safely  trusted. 

So  a wise  minister  of  the  gospel  is  one  who  is  “ thoroughly 
furnished  unto  every  good  work” — fully  understands  the  law 
and  the  gospel — is  able  to  explain  and  defend  them,  and  suit- 
ably to  apply  them  to  the  variety  of  cases  which  may  come 
within  his  observation.  He  must,  moreover,  have  a thorough 
knowledge  of  the  human  heart,  be  able  to  analyze  the  character 
of  man,  so  as  to  understand  the  wants,  moral  and  spiritual,  of 
the  various  classes  and  conditions  of  those  immortal  beings 
who  may  be  intrusted  to  his  watchful  oversight.  A superficial 
knowledge  of  God’s  plan  of  redemption  by  Christ  Jesus,  of  his 
government,  as  revealed  in  the  sacred  Scriptures,  and  as  indi- 
cated in  the  workings  of  divine  Providence,  will  by  no  means 
fit  a man  for  a wise  ruler  over  God’s  household.  His  know- 
ledge of  these  things  must  be  deep,  accurate,  and  compre- 
hensive. How  else  can  he  apply  the  various  classes  of  truths, 
too  numerous  to  name  here,  to  the  great  variety  of  characters, 
conditions,  and  circumstances  of  the  several  members  of  God’s 
household  ? 

St.  Paul,  speaking  of  an  overseer,  says,  “ Not  a novice,  lest, 
being  lifted  up  with  pride,  he  fall  into  the  condemnation  of  the 
devil.”  How  will  a novice  in  the  great  doctrines  of  God  our 
Saviour  mar  the  beautiful  simplicity,  symmetry,  and  divine 
harmony  of  the  system  of  truth  revealed  in  the  sacred  Scrip- 
tures ! How  will  he  misinterpret  the  indications  of  divine 
Providence,  and  thus  foster  a blind  superstition,  on  the  one 
hand,  or  engender  an  ignorant  credulity,  on  the  other,  unbe- 
coming a rational  Christian,  or  destructive  to  an  enlightened 
piety  ! How  often  misapply  the  threaten ings  of  God’s  law  or 
the  promises  of  his  gospel ! And  then  how  ridiculous  will  he 
render  himself  by  his  ignorance  of  spiritual  things,  his  inability 


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to  explain  and  enforce  the  truth,  and  the  inefficient  manner  in 
which  he  attempts  to  carry  out,  in  his  administration,  the  moral 
discipline  of  the  church  ! 

If  it  bo  the  part  of  a wise  man,  as  it  unquestionably  is,  not 
to  undertake  to  explain  what  he  does  not  understand,  nor  to  do 
that  for  which  he  is  incompetent,  then  it  becomes  a minister  of 
Jesus  Christ  to  make  himself  thoroughly  acquainted  with  all 
those  principles  of  divine  truth  which  are  to  govern  his  belief 
and  conduct,  fully  to  comprehend,  so  far  as  they  are  compre- 
hensible by  our  limited  faculties,  the  gracious  designs  of  God 
toward  the  human  family,  and  especially  his  method  of  saving 
mankind  through  the  gospel  of  Jesus  Christ. 

A wise  steward , therefore,  is  one  who  has  so  applied  himself 
to  the  study  of  divine  truth  that  he  has  a comprehensive  know- 
ledge of  the  economy  of  salvation,  of  the  law  and  the  gospel, 
and  of  all  those  helps  afforded  by  the  providence  and  grace  of 
God  for  the  furtherance  of  his  cause  among  the  inhabitants  of 
our  world. 

3.  A faithful  steward  is  that  minister  of  Jesus  Christ  who 
applies  his  wisdom  to  experimental  and  practical  purposes.  A 
man  may  have  acquired  an  accurate  knowledge,  so  as  perfectly 
to  comprehend  the  theory  of  things,  and  yet  he  may  so  fail  in 
the  right  use  of  this  knowledge  as  to  come  under  the  condem- 
nation of  the  “slothful  servant.”  This  quality,  therefore,  of  a 
steward  over  God’s  household  is  essential  to  the  completion  of 
his  character.  Fidelity  in  the  improvement  of  time,  in  the 
right  application  of  attainments,  whether  intellectual  or  spi- 
ritual, is  the  “ one  thing  needful”  to  entitle  a minister  of  Jesus 
Christ  to  become  “a  ruler  over  his  household.” 

Of  what  use  is  it  to  us  to  know,  simply,  to  do  good  ? “ He 

that  knoweth  his  master’s  will,  and  doeth  it  not,  shall  be  beaten 
with  many  stripes.”  And  that  very  justly.  His  want  of  faith- 
fulness is  the  very  thing  which  renders  him  obnoxious  to  the 
divine  displeasure.  And  the  criminality  of  that  unfaithfulness 
is  enhanced  in  an  exact  proportion  to  the  extent  of  our  know- 
ledge and  our  opportunities  of  improvement. 

The  faithful  steward  watches  with  diligence  over  the  several 
members  of  this  household,  adapts  his  instructions  to  their 
different  ages,  circumstances,  variety  of  dispositions,  and  pecu- 
liarity of  callings  in  life.  He  rebukes  the  obstinate,  warns  the 
unruly,  instructs  the  ignorant,  encourages  the  feeble-minded, 


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and,  with  the  well  informed,  delightfully  ranges  through  the 
field  of  argument  and  illustration,  while  he  presents  to  all  the 
strong  motives  of  the  gospel,  to  incite  them  forward  in  the  path 
of  obedience  to  God’s  commands.  And  while  he  sympathizes 
with  the  afilicted,  bears  the  infirmities  of  the  weak,  and  ten- 
derly expostulates  with  the  unhappy  wanderer,  he  “ lifts  up  his 
voice  like  a trumpet,”  in  accents  of  warning  to  the  ungodly. 
At  the  same  time  that  he  rejoices  with  all  such  as  “ run  well,” 
and  strives  to  bring  those  who  have  “ turned  aside  to  folly” 
back  “to  the  Shepherd  and  Bishop  of  their  souls,” he  is  equally 
vigilant  and  faithful  to  cut  off  the  incorrigible  offender  from 
the  communion  of  the  faithful,  knowing  full  well  that  “ one 
sinner  destroyeth  much  good,”  and  will  therefore,  by  his  pesti- 
ferous example,  if  suffered  to  remain  in  the  household,  corrupt 
the  minds  and  morals  of  many. 

This  then  is  a “ faithful  steward.”  He  diligently  employs 
all  his  time  and  talent  in  doing  good.  His  knowledge  he  uses 
for  practical  ends.  He  makes  his  theory  have  a practical  bear- 
ing upon  himself  and  others.  He  watches  over  those  intrusted 
to  his  care  with  the  tender  solicitude  of  a father,  giving  them 
all  a “ portion  of  meat  in  due  season.” 

4.  Such  a man  is  rewarded  by  being  made  a ruler  over  the 
household  of  God.  Being  eminently  fitted,  by  both  wisdom 
and  fidelity , for  this  high  and  responsible  station,  God  puts  him 
in  his  place,  and  makes  him  a ruler  over  that  portion  of  his 
family  where  his  talents  may  be  most  usefully  employed  for  the 
improvement  and  salvation  of  immortal  souls. 

By  a ruler , I understand  one  that  takes  an  oversight  of 
some  particular  department  of  the  church,  and  is  therefore  held 
responsible  for  whatever  may  be  transacted  by  those  placed 
under  his  care.  Here  his  wisdom  and  fidelity  are  eminently 
brought  into  practical  operation. 

II.  Whether  or  not  Dr.  Fisk  was  thus  qualified  for  a “ faith- 
ful and  wise  steward,”  whom  God  made  ruler  over  his  house- 
hold, to  give  them  their  meat  in  due  season,  will  appear  from  a 
review  of  his  life  and  character. 

Wilbur  Fisk  was  born  in  Brattleborough,  Vermont,  August 
31,  1792.  His  parents  were  devoted  Christians,  members  of 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  and  they  early  instilled  into 
his  infant  mind  those  principles  which  governed  their  own 
hearts  and  conduct.  To  his  pious  and  affectionate  mother 


8 


especially,  who  watched  over  his  juvenile  years  with  maternal 
solicitude,  was  he  indebted  for  those  early  lessons  of  instruction 
which  laid  the  foundation  of  his  usefulness  in  after  life.  She, 
no  doubt,  saw,  in  the  buddings  of  his  infant  mind,  indications 
of  those  expansive  powers  which,  under  the  culture  of  riper 
years,  and  the  blessing  of  God  on  his  efforts,  were  so  beneficially 
employed  in  the  cause  of  human  improvement,  and  happiness. 

The  death  of  a beloved  brother  was  a means  of  awakening 
him,  when  in  his  twelfth  year,  to  serious  things,  and  soon  after 
he  embraced  the  Saviour  by  faith,  and  obtained  the  forgiveness 
of  sins  in  his  blood.  Subsequently,  however,  while  at  a pre- 
paratory school,  he  lost  the  enjoyment  of  religion,  and  remained 
in  a backslidden  state  until  after  he  left  college. 

From  the  preparatory  school  he  entered  the  University  of 
Vermont,  in  the  town  of  Burlington,  whence  he  removed  to 
Brown  University,  in  the  state  of  Rhode  Island,  where  he 
graduated. 

Some  time  after  leaving  the  university,  by  means  of  a severe 
fit  of  illness,  his  former  religious  impressions  were  revived,  and 
he  again  sought  and  obtained  “ redemption  through  His  blood, 
even  the  forgiveness  of  sins.”  Very  soon  after  this  joyful  event 
he  joined  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  and  finally  devoted 
himself  to  the  itinerant  ministry,  in  which  he  continued  to  the 
end  of  his  life. 

In  1818  he  was  received  on  trial  in  the  New-England  Con- 
ference, and  graduated  to  elders’  orders  in  1822.  The  wisdom 
and  fidelity  with  which  he  discharged  the  duties  of  his  office 
commanded  the  approbation  of  his  brethren,  so  that  in  1823 
he  was  appointed  presiding  elder  of  the  Vermont  district. 
The  next  year,  notwithstanding  his  youth,  he  was  elected  a 
delegate  to  the  General  Conference,  vrhich  assembled  in  the 
city  of  Baltimore. 

In  1826  he  was  appointed  principal  of  the  Wilbraham  Aca- 
demy. Here  his  talents  were  eminently  displayed,  in  governing 
and  training  the  youth  who  were  committed  to  his  care ; and 
the  influence  he  exerted  upon  that,  institution  gave  it  a high 
character  in  the  community,  from  which  it  has  reaped  the  be- 
nefit even  to  this  day. 

At  the  head  of  this  seminary  he  remained  until  the  establish- 
ment of  the  Wesleyan  University  in  1830,  when  he  was  called 
to  be  its  president. 


9 


In  1828,  after  the  Canada  Conference  had  become  separated 
from  the  jurisdiction  of  the  General  Conference  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church,  Dr.  Fisk  was,  on  the  declination  of  another 
to  accept  of  that  office,  elected  by  that  body  as  their  bishop. 
This  office,  however,  he  declined. 

In  1836,  from  a hope  that  it  might  benefit  his  health,  by  the 
advice  of  the  joint  board  of  Trustees  and  Yisiters  of  the  Wes- 
leyan  University,  he  visited  Europe,  and  returned  in  the  latter 
part  of  the  year  1837.  YVffiile  there,  the  General  Conference  of 
1836  appointed  him  as  a delegate  to  the  YYesleyan  Methodist 
Conference,  which  office  he  fulfilled  highly  creditably  to  him- 
self, and  mutually  satisfactory  to  the  two  bodies  of  Methodists. 
At  the  same  General  Conference,  he  was  elected  to  the  epis- 
copal office,  which,  however,  after  his  return  from  Europe,  he 
conditionally  declined,  believing  that,  unless  called  by  more 
urgent  circumstances  than  existed  at  the  time,  he  could  be 
more  useful  to  the  Church  generally  in  the  station  he  then  filled. 
In  this  conviction  he  was  doubtless  strengthened  by  the  opinion 
of  the  more  immediate  friends  of  the  university,  who  fully  be- 
lieved that  its  interests  must  suffer  if  he  were  to  withdraw  his 
services. 

On  his  return  from  Europe,  he  re-entered  upon  the  duties  of 
his  station  with  the  same  distinguished  zeal  and  eminent  abi- 
lity by  which  he  sustained  himself  from  the  time  of  his  entrance 
upon  that  important  trust.  In  addition  to  exerting  himself  to 
sustain  the  interests  of  the  university  by  presiding  over  its  des- 
tinies with  fidelity  and  wisdom,  and  soliciting  pecuniary  aid  to 
meet  its  pressing  demands,  he  was  employed  in  preparing  an 
accoGnt  of  his  European  tour  for  the  press,  which  finally  made 
its  appearance  in  a large  octavo  of  about  700  pages,  much  to 
the  satisfaction  of  the  friends  of  literature  and  science  on  both 
sides  of  the  Atlantic. 

But  his  foreign  travels  did  him  no  good,  physically.  Those 
symptoms  of  pulmonary  disease  which  had  accompanied  him 
for  more  than  twenty  years,  suffered  no  abatement  on  his  return 
to  his  native  land.  The  hectic  flush  upon  his  cheek,  the  deep 
and  hollow  cough  with  which  he  was  afflicted,  while  neither  the 
one  nor  the  other  seemed  to  alarm  himself,  were  mournful  indi- 
cations to  his  friends  that  a premature  death  would  deprive  the 
Church  and  the  world  of  his  most  valuable  services. 

It  was,  indeed,  fondly  hoped  by  some  that  a voyage  to  E^ppe 

^ ILLINOIS  LIBRARY 

AT  URBANA-CHAMPAIGN 


10 


might  be  a means  of  lengthening  out  his  life.  But  alas  ! the 
effect  was  quite  the  reverse.  The  excitement  arising  from  new 
objects  perpetually  recurring — from  the  continual  drain  upon 
his  intellectual  resources  as  an  intelligent  American  traveler  to 
satisfy  the  inquiries  of  those  with  whom  he  came  in  contact — 
the  demand  upon  his  public  labors  as  a minister  of  the  sanc- 
tuary, and  as  the  representative  of  the  American  to  the  Wes- 
leyan Methodist  Conference — his  own  eager  curiosity  to  see 
objects  and  to  make  observations  upon  passing  events,  while 
traveling  over  the  classic  soil  of  Italy  and  other  states  of  Europe 
— the  constant  application  of  his  mental  energies  and  physical 
powers  in  treasuring  up  for  future  use  whatever  might  be  con- 
sidered interesting  and  useful — his  assiduous  attention  to  the 
purchase  and  transmission  of  apparatus  for  his  beloved  uni- 
versity— together  with  the  humid  atmosphere  of  England,  so 
uncongenial  to  an  invalid  laboring  under  a disease  so  deeply 
seated — all  these  things  must  have  tended  rather  to  weaken 
than  strengthen  a frame  already  shattered  by  the  combined  in- 
fluence of  disease  and  the  constant  wear  and  tear  of  labor, 
tottering  as  it  did  under  the  infirmities  of  premature  debility 
and  decay. 

It  is  believed,  therefore,  that  his  European  tour  diminished 
rather  than  augmented  his  physical  strength.  While  it  sharp- 
ened and  called  forth  his  intellectual  powers,  by  adding  fresh 
stimulants  to  a mind  already  sufficiently  excited  by  the  various 
topics  of  discussion  which  engaged  his  attention,  it  made  fear- 
ful inroads  upon  a frame  which  had  been  shaken  by  the  blast 
of  many  an  adverse  wind.  Indeed,  it  was  evident  to  those  who 
observed  him  closely,  and  felt  milch  interested  in  the  prolonga- 
tion of  his  valuable  life,  that  Dr.  Fisk  returned  from  this  tour  a 
much  older  man  in  appearance  than  when  he  left  his  native 
shores.  I confess,  that  when  I had  the  pleasure  of  saluting 
him  again  as  a friend— for  such  I had  the  honor  of  calling  him 
— I felt  no  little  alarm,  as  it  appeared  that  disease  had  made 
fearful  advances  upon  his  constitution,  and  must  soon,  unless 
arrested  by  some  means,  prostrate  him  in  the  dust.  And  al- 
though I knew  he  was  safe  in  the  hands  of  his  heavenly  Father, 
yet  I could  but  feel  and  anticipate  with  mournful  sensations  the 
loss  the  Church  must  sustain  by  his  death,  and  more  especially 
our  infant  institution  at  Middletown.  But  these  forebodings, 
however  well  or  ill  founded,  I dare  hardly  whisper  to  my  friends, 


11 


lest  they  might  be  interpreted  into  a distrust  of  divine  Provi- 
dence, or  the  expression  of  despondency  and  groundless  fears. 

One  to  whom  he  was  more  endeared  than  to  any  other,  on 
account  of  the  intimate  relation  she  held  to  him,  said,  at  the 
last  commencement  of  the  Wesleyan  University,  “This  is  the 
last  at  which  he  will  ever  preside  !” — and  then  alluded  to  an 
agitated  controversy  in  which  he  had  been  for  some  time  en- 
gaged, as  exerting  a most  deleterious  effect  upon  his  feeble 
frame.  Her  words  have  proved  prophetic.  Yet  who  could 
look  upon  that  dignified  form  on  that  occasion,  and  behold  that 
countenance  which  beamed  with  benignity  and  intelligence, 
and  not  be  struck  with  melancholy  forebodings  by  the  antici- 
pation of  such  an  event? 

It  was  indeed,  hoped,  that  such  an  announcement,  though  it 
has  proved  oracular,  was  but  the  expression  of  a fear  which 
arose  from  a strong  desire  to  retain  him  as  long  as  possible  in 
this  world.  But  in  this,  as  well  as  in  other  things,  u coming 
events  cast  their  shadows  before,”  and  proclaim  their  near 
approach. 

As  the  winter  approached,  more  alarming  symptoms  began 
to  appear  ; such  as  swelling  of  the  joints  and  limbs,  increased 
cough,  and  greater  difficulty  of  breathing.  These  were  fearful 
signs  to  his  friends  that  his  disease  was  assuming  a more  radi- 
cal character,  and  admonished  them  that  death  had  fixed  on  its 
victim.  As  long,  however,  as  he  was  able,  he  moved  about, 
attended  to  his  duties,  and  conversed  with  his  friends. 

While  in  this  feeble  state,  during  the  winter  vacation,  being 
requested  to  meet  with  a committee  of  the  managers  of  our 
Missionary  Society  on  important  business,  he  came  to  New- 
York  ; and,  though  scarcely  able  to  stand  on  his  feet,  delivered, 
at  a missionary  meeting,  one  of  those  thrilling  and  heart-stirring 
addresses  for  which  he  was  so  eminently  distinguished. 

On  his  return  to  Middletown,  the  symptoms  soon  assumed  a 
yet  more  alarming  aspect,  and  a medical  council  decided  that 
the  probabilities  of  recovery  were  fearfully  against  him.  On 
receiving  information  of  his  dangerous  state,  your  speaker  was 
one  of  a deputation  from  the  managers  of  our  Missionary  So- 
ciety to  repair  to  Middletown,  and,  if  yet  alive,  to  convey  to 
him  the  Christian  sympathies  of  his  brethren ; or,  if  dead,  to 
offer  their  condolence  to  the  bereaved  and  afflicted  widow,  and 
likewise  to  attend  the  funeral.  Contrary  to  our  expectation, 


12 


on  our  arrival,  we  found  him  still  living,  calm  and  peaceful  in 
his  mind,  and  free  from  those  painful  sufferings  with  which  he 
had  contended  for  some  days  before — for  at  times  his  physical 
sufferings,  arising  from  spasms  in  his  lungs,  and  the  collection 
of  water  in  the  chest,  had  been  indescribably  severe,  and  tended 
greatly  to  exhaust  his  remaining  strength.  The  interview  was 
affecting,  and  tended  not  a little  to  heighten  our  admiration  of 
the  power  and  excellency  of  that  religion  of  which  he  had 
been  such  an  able  and  eloquent  advocate.  When  informed  of 
the  circumstances  and  object  of  our  visit,  he  seemed  very  grate- 
fill  for  this  instance  of  respectful  attention,  and  remarked, 
“ That  it  was  an  evidence  of  that  Christian  sympathy  and 
brotherly  affection  which  he  had  so  long  beheld  among  his 
brethren.5’ 

An  unusual  brilliancy  seemed  to  lighten  up  his  countenance, 
and  to  beam  forth  from  his  eyes,  while  with  great  composure 
of  mind,  and  with  frequent  pauses  from  extreme  weakness,  in 
low  but  intelligent  whispers,  he  expressed  his  unwavering  con- 
fidence in  God,  remarking,  that,  though  he  did  not  enjoy  those 
ecstacies  which  he  had  expected,  yet  he  had  an  unclouded 
witness  of  God’s  favor,  and  a bright  expectation  of  future  bliss. 

Adverting  to  the  severity  of  the  physical  sufferings  which  he 
had  endured  a few  days  before,  he  remarked,  “ I have  been  in 
sight  of  the  port,  and  thought  to  have  entered  it  ere  this — but, 
O ! what  a rough  sea  I had  to  contend  with  ! But  I am  driven 
back,  and  now  feel  myself  in  a calmer  sea.  What  I may  be 
called  to  contend  with  I know  not,  before  I enter  the  harbor  of 
rest.  But  all  is  right  which  God  orders.  The  distance  be- 
tween the  two  worlds  is  exceedingly  short.  It  is  but  a step 
from  one  to  the  other.” 

This  effort  seemed  to  exhaust  him  for  a season.  On  recover- 
ing a little  strength,  referring  to  the  interests  of  the  university, 
which  lay  near  his  heart,  he  said,  “Tell  the  New-York  Con- 
ference, that  I give  it  as  my  dying  request,  that  they  nurse  the 
Wesleyan  University — that  they  must  exert  themselves  to  sus- 
tain and  carry  it  forward.” 

Thinking  that  to  prolong  the  interview  would  be  taxing  him 
too  heavily,  as  he  seemed  much  exhausted,  after  praying  with 
him,  the  deputation  bade  him  farewell,  never  expecting  to  see 
him  again  in  this  world,  it  being  thought  inexpedient  to  remain 
longer,  as  it  was  probable  he  might  survive  some  days. 


13 


I cannot  give  the  closing  days  of  Dr.  Fisk  better  than  by 
inserting  the  following  letter  of  Professor  Holdich , who  was 
with  him  much  during  the  few  last  hours  of  his  life.  His  ac- 
count is  as  follows : — 

“ During  his  entire  illness,  his  mind,  whenever  possessed  of 
consciousness,  which  was  uninterrupted  until  a few  days  before 
his  death,  was  in  a most  delightful  state.  On  Friday,  Satur- 
day, and  Sunday,  his  chamber  was  a continued  scene  of  the 
moral  sublime.  His  body  was  not  then  worn  out  by  disease, 
and  his  mind  retained  its  perfect  vigor.  His  testimony  to  the 
truth,  and  power,  and  triumph  of  Christianity,  was  enough,  one 
could. think,  to  make  infidelity  blush,  and  be  silent  for  ever.  I 
was  absent  at  the  vacation ; and  though  I returned  instantly 
on  receiving  intelligence,  I did  not  reach  home  until  Tuesday, 
the  12th.  Consequently,  I did  not  hear  his  remarks  prior  to 
that,  and  the  memoranda  which  were  taken  down  are  not  in 
my  possession.  After  my  return,  I was  with  him  much  of  the 
time,  and  with  very  great  satisfaction.  Previously  to  my 
return,  however,  I understand  he  said,  “I  am  full  of  imperfec- 
tions, but  Jesus  Christ  is  my  Saviour,  and  through  him  alone 
I expect  eternal  life — not  of  right,  but  of  gift.  Rights  ! I have 
no  rights ; but  Jesus  Christ  has,  and  he  confers  rights  upon 
me.”  When  Mrs.  F.  was  weeping  at  his  side,  he  said,  “ Some 
tell  us  the  body  and  soul  both  go  down  into  the  dust  together. 
But  it  is  not  true : so  far  from  my  body  pressing  my  soul  down 
to  the  dust,  I feel  almost  as  if  the  soul  had  power  to  raise  the 
body  upward,  and  bear  it  away !”  Then  turning  to  Mrs.  F., 
he  said,  “ Think  not,  my  dear,  when  you  see  this  body  laid  in 
the  grave,  that  that  is  your  husband.  No ; he  cannot  be  bu- 
ried, though  his  body  may— he  will  be  in  heaven.”  The  day 
after  my  return,  I was  sent  for,  as  he  was  supposed  to  be  dying. 
When  I came,  he  took  my  hand  and  said,  “ I believe  I am 
going.”  After  a pause,  he  said, 

“ There  is  my  house  and  portion  fair, 

My  treasure  and  my  friends  are  there, 

some  of  them,  and  the  rest  are  on  their  way.”  Afterward  he 
said,  “ I am  dying,  not  in  my  bed,  but  on  a chair.  (Owing  to 
his  disease  he  could  not  lie  down.)  But  my  Saviour  died  on 
the  cross.”  At  another  time  he  remarked,  “ From  the  chair  to 
the  throne.”  Several  times, “ If  I have  been  instrumental  in  a 
little  good,  I thank  God  for  it.  I have  been  an  unprofitable 


14 


servant,  and  all  my  trust  is  in  Jesus  Christ.”  On  reviving  from 
a paroxysm,  he  said,  “I  feel  like  a citizen  of  another  country, 
driven  back  again  to  a foreign  shore.” 

The  university  lay  very  near  his  heart.  He  spoke  of  the 
perfect  harmony  in  which  the  faculty  had  lived  and  labored, 
and  charged  them  all  to  stand  by  it,  and  be  faithful  to  its  inte- 
rests. In  reply  to  his  remarks  about  the  affection  of  the  faculty, 
one  said,  “Yes,  doctor,  you  were  the  magnet  that  drew  us  to- 
gether. We  all  loved  you.”  “ Yes,”  said  he,  “ but  not  because 
I was  worthy  of  it.” 

His  patience  was  wonderful,  as  his  sufferings  were  uncom- 
mon. Not  a murmur,  or  a peevish  expression,  not  a word  or 
look  that  indicated  a spirit  discomposed.  To  the  last  he  was 
considerate  of  others,  and  anxious  to  give  no  trouble  or  fatigue. 
Often  he  said  to  his  attendants,  “ And  have  you  left  your  own 
dear  homes,  and  even  your  beds,  to  come  and  wait  on  me — 
poor,  unworthy  me  ! I am  sure  I do  not  know  what  I am  kept 
here  for,  unless  it  is  to  exhibit  the  patience  of  my  kind  friends. 
Sure,  man  never  had  such  friends.” 

A day  or  two  before  he  died,  I asked  him  if  he  still  had  the 
same  views  of  Christianity  as  ever,  and  of  our  doctrines,  &c., 
to  all  which  he  assented.  I then  observed  that  he  had  been  a 
great  sufferer,  but  there  was  a world  “ where  the  wicked  cease 
from  troubling,  and  the  weary  are  at  rest.”  He  responded — 
“ Bless  God  for  that.”  After  this,  he  became  so  drowsy  that  it 
was  difficult  to  wake  him ; yet  when  roused,  he  was  perfectly 
sensible.  Coming  into  his  room  after  this,  I went  up  to  him 
and  said,  “ Well,  sir,  I have  come  to  see  you  once  more — do 
you  know  me  ?”  He  pressed  my  hands  and  whispered,  “ Yes — 
glorious  hope !”  I believe  these  were  the  last  words  he  con- 
sciously uttered. 

There  was  one  scene  which  I did  not  witness,  that  would 
require  a pencil  rather  than  a quill  to  do  it  justice.  Thinking 
himSelf  going,  he  said  to  his  wife  and  adopted  daughter,  “ We 
must  pray  together  once  more.”  Then  throwing  an  arm 
around  the  neck  of  each,  as  he  sat  in  his  chair,  he  put  up  a 
prayer,  which  for  pathos,  fervor,  and  sublimity,  was  truly  asto- 
nishing.” 

Though  greatly  desirous  to  comply  with  the  invitation  to 
attend  the  funeral  of  this  great  and  good  man,  yet  we  were 
denied  this  mournful  satisfaction  by  an  occurrence  beyond  our 


15 


control,  and  therefore  give  the  following  from  the  pen  of  one 
who  did  attend,  and  who  participated  in  the  exercises  on  the 
solemn  occasion : — 

“ The  last  sad  tribute  has  been  paid  to  departed  worth  by  a 
bereaved  and  sorrowing  community.  All  that  is  mortal  of  our 
revered  and  beloved  friend,  the  late  president  of  the  Wesleyan 
University,  was  yesterday  deposited  in  the  house  appointed  for 
all  the  living.  As  you  may  well  suppose,  a gloom  overspreads 
the  city  of  Middletown  ; the  conviction  having  taken  a deep 
hold  upon  the  minds  of  all  that  1 a prince  and  a great  man  has 
fallen  in  Israel,’  and  that  not  only  their  flourishing  institution 
is  deprived  of  its  head,  but  that  they  have  lost  a common  fa- 
ther, counsellor,  and  friend. 

“ 1 need  scarcely  say  to  you  that  he  died  as  the  Christian 
dieth,  1 full  of  faith  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.’  ‘ Having  served 
his  own  generation  by  the  will  of  God,  he  has  fallen  asleep,’ 
and  now  rests  from  his  labors  among  the  blessed  and  illustrious 
dead. 

“ Truly  a bright  light  is  extinguished.  A star  of  the  first 
magnitude  is  seen  no  more  in  the  firmament  of  the  visible 
church;  and  yet  it  has  not  fallen  from  heaven,  but  is  now 
taking  a higher,  holier,  and  wider  range  in  the  unseen  distance, 
even  within  the  veil  of  that  glory  into  which  we  cannot  look. 
* Though  dead,  he  yet  speaketh — having  left  us  an  example 
that  we  should  walk  in  his  steps.’  And  surely  the  name  and 
memory  of  Wilbur  Fisk  will  be  fondly  cherished  as  long  as 
human  minds  can  estimate  high  intellectual,  moral,  and  reli- 
gious worth.” 

The  following-  was  the  arrangement  of  the  funeral  procession  : — 

Joint  Board  of  Trustees  and  Visiters  of  the  University. 

Missionary  Committee  from  New-York. 

Mayor  and  Common  Council. 

Physicians. 

Clergy. 

Officiating  Clergymen. 

Company  of  Artillery,  of  whom  Dr.  Fisk  was  Chaplain,  who  requested  to 
bear  upon  their  shoulders  his  body  to  the  grave,  (in  citizens’  dress.) 

Twelve  Assistant  Bearers. 

Six  clergymen,  pall  bearers,  of  the  several  churches  in  the  city. 

Relatives  of  the  deceased. 

Faculty  of  the  Wesleyan  University. 

Students  of  the  University. 


16 


Preparatory  School  of  Rev.  Mr.  Saxe* 

Young  Men’s  City  Lyceum. 

Mr.  Webb’s  School. 

Citizens.- 

After  prayer  at  the  house,  the  procession  moved  to  the  Methodist  Epis- 
copal church,  where,  after  a funeral  dirge  from  the  choir,  the  funeral  service 
was  read  by  Rev.  L.  Clark,  of  Hartford  district.  An  eloquent  and  appro- 
priate address  was  delivered  by  the  Rev.  Professor  Means,  of  Emory  College, 
Georgia.  Concluding  prayer  by  Rev.  E.  E.  Griswold,  of  New-Haven. 
The  procession  then  proceeded  to  the  college  cemetery,  and,  after  the  burial 
service,  by  Rev.  H.  Bangs,  of  Hartford,  the  body  was  committed  to  the 
grave  till  the  resurrection  morning. 

Thus  ended  the  labors,  the  sufferings,  and  the  mortal  exist- 
ence of  the  Rev.  Wilbur  Fisk,  D.  D.,  President  of  the  Wes- 
leyan University — a man  who  united  in  himself  the  graces  of 
the  Christian,  the  gentleman,  and  the  scholar,  as  well  as  the 
purity  and  dignity  of  the  minister  of  Jesus  Christ. 

It  now  only  remains  to  present  some  of  those  excellent  traits 
of  character  by  which  he  was  distinguished. 

1.  His  learning,  though,  perhaps,  not  so  deep  and  thorough 
as  that  of  some  others,  was  nevertheless  sound,  various,  and  of 
the  most  useful  character.  He  graduated  with  honor  to  him- 
self in  the  Brown  University,  and  was  highly  respected  by  his 
fellow  students  and  the  faculty  under  whom  he  studied.  And 
such  was  his  love  of  letters  in  subsequent  life  that  he  held  a 
distinguished  rank  among  the  literati  of  his  country,  and  filled 
with  high  reputation  the  stations  he  occupied  at  the  head  of 
literary  institutions. 

2.  His  religious  experience  was  deep  and  genuine.  This 
was  fully  evinced  by  the  uniformity  of  his  piety,  the  humility 
of  his  mind,  and  his  ardent  devotion  to  the  cause  of  his  divine 
Master.  It  was  this  also  which  created  that  inextinguishable 
thirst  for  the  salvation  of  a lost  world,  which  led  him  forth  as 
a preacher  of  the  gospel  of  Christ,  as  a powerful  and  fearless 
advdcate  of  the  cause  of  missions,  temperance,  and  all  those 
institutions  of  benevolence  which  aim  at  human  melioration, 
or  look  to  the  universal  spread  of  the  gospel  of  the  Son  of  God. 

Though  at  an  early  period  of  his  ministry  he  was  called  to 
preside  over  institutions  of  learning,  which  officially  confined 
him  to  a more  limited  sphere  of  action  than  that  which  was 
marked  out  by  an  itinerant  ministry,  yet  he  by  no  means 
circumscribed  his  labors  to  these  narrow  limits,  but  as  oppor- 


17 


Utilities  presented,  extended  the  sphere  of  his  labors,  in  the 
pulpit  and  on  the  platform,  wherever  and  whenever,  so  far  as 
his  time  and  strength  would  allow,  calls  were  made  for  his 
services.  And  in  these  labors  he  was  eminently  useful,  and 
his  services  were  highly  appreciated  by  all  lovers  of  human 
improvement.  He  was  therefore  never  “ straitened  in  his 
own  bowels,”  but  stretched  the  line  of  his  labors  in  every  direc- 
tion, making  his  voice  to  be  heard  in  favor  of  the  cause  of 
Christ,  in  all  those  diversities  of  operations  by  which  the  pre- 
sent age  is  distinguished  for  the  diffusion  of  gospel  light  and 
love.  In  this  work  that  fountain  of  Divine  grace  which  can 
be  opened  in  the  human  heart  only  by  a deep  and  genuine  ex- 
perience of  the  sanctifying  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  gushed 
out  in  the  purest  streams  of  the  most  charming  eloquence, 
distilling  “ as  the  dew,  as  the  small  rain  upon  the  tender  herb, 
and  as  the  showers  upon  the  grass.” 

His  efforts  to  do  good  were  limited  only  by  his  means.  On 
a certain  occasion  he  was  heard  to  say,  “ As  I have  no  children 
of  my  own  to  provide  for,*  I feel  it  my  duty  to  do  all  I can  for 
the  benefit  of  others.”  Acting  on  this  principle,  he  devoted  all 
his  energies  of  soul  and  body  to  the  best  interests  of  his  fellow 
men. 

3.  Though  deeply  interested  in  the  cause  of  education,  yet 
he  considered  it  only  so  far  important  as  it  was  made  sub- 
servient to  the  spiritual  and  eternal  welfare  of  men.  Having 
suffered  much  in  his  religious  enjoyments  while  at  the  prepa- 
ratory school  and  at  college,  on  account  of  the  irreligion  which 
prevailed  at  these  institutions  at  the  time  he  was  there,  he  was, 
when  he  came  to  feel  the  responsibility  of  his  station,  exceed- 
ingly solicitous  to  see  seminaries  of  learning  established  and 
conducted  strictly  according  to  the  principles  of  the  gospel. 

Hence,  when  placed  at  the  head  of  the  University,  as  well  as 
while  Principal  of  the  Wilbraham  Academy,  he  exerted  all  his 
powers  to  banish  immorality  and  irreligion  from  their  precincts, 
and  bring  the  influence  of  Christianity,  in  its  experimental  and 
practical  parts,  to  bear  upon  the  students,  and  upon  all  con- 
cerned. And  in  this  he  succeeded  even  beyond  what  might 
have  been  expected. 

The  holy  influence  which  was  collected  around  the  Wes- 
leyan University,  by  the  power  of  his  precept  and  example, 
seconded  as  he  was  by  his  associates  and  the  official  board, 

* Dr.  Fisk,  though  married,  died  without  issue.  UNIVERSITY  OF 
3 ILLINOIS  LIBRARY 

AT  URBANA-CHAWIPAIGN 


18 


was  extensively  felt  on  the  surrounding  population,  and  gave 
it  a commanding  character  in  the  community,  exempting  is 
from  those  exceptions  which  have  frequently  been  made,  with 
too  much  truth,  against  literary  institutions.  The  frequent 
revivals  of  religion,  which  were  witnessed  among  the  students, 
furnished  an  evidence  to  its  friends  that  a college  may  be  so 
conducted  as  to  insure  the  blessings  of  God  on  its  labors,  and 
tended  powerfully  to  impress  upon  the  minds  of  all,  the  spiritual 
as  well  as  literary  benefit,  to  be  derived  from  placing  their  sons 
under  the  wing  of  the  Wesleyan  University.  I may  say  indeed, 
with  confidence,  that  on  no  department  of  God’s  vineyard  has 
his  Spirit  been  poured  out  more  copiously,  and  the  number  of 
genuine  converts  been  more  numerous,  in  proportion  to  the 
population,  than  in  this  nursery  of  learning  and  religion. 

How  much  the  labors  and  example  of  its  venerated  president 
contributed  to  this  happy  result,  those  can  testify  who  have 
borne  witness  to  his  assiduous  attention  to  these  things.  The 
wisdom  and  fidelity  with  which  he  inculcated  the  truths  of  the 
gospel  upon  the  minds  of  the  students,  and  the  fatherly  manner 
in  which  he  led  the  inquiring  soul  to  Jesus  Christ  for  pardon 
and  salvation,  and  likewise  rejoiced  over  the  happy  believer, 
attest  the  interest  which  he  took  in  the  spiritual  as  well  as  lite- 
rary welfare  of  those  intrusted  to  his  care. 

His  invariable  maxim  was,  that  sanctified  learning  only  can 
he  useful  to  mankind.  And  acting  on  this  maxim,  he  diffused 
through  every  circle  in  which  he  moved,  the  hallowing  influ- 
ences of  Christianity,  exhibiting  in  his  own  temper  and  spirit 
the  superior  excellency  and  claim  it  has  upon  the  hearts  and 
homage  of  mankind. 

4.  His  talents  as  a preacher  of  the  gospel  were  of  a high 
order.  He  entered  deeply  and  systematically  into  theological 
truth,  and  was  thoroughly  Wesleyan  in  his  views  of  the  gospel, 
and  the  methods  of  diffusing  its  blessings  among  mankind. 
Though  never  boisterous  in  his  manner,  but  calm  and  collected, 
he  was  energetic,  plain,  and  pointed,  and  evinced  that  he  spoke 
from  the  fulness  of  his  heart — a heart  thoroughly  imbued  with 
the  spirit  of  his  Divine  Master. 

He  was  an  original  thinker.  Though  the  field  of  theological 
truth  has  been  so  frequently  surveyed,  that  little  seems  to  be 
left  for  us  to  do  but  to  follow  on  in  the  beaten  track,  yet  it  was 
evident  that  when  Wilbur  Fisk  “occupied  that  holy  place,  the 
pulpit,”  he  thought  and  arranged  for  himself,  and  clothed  his 


thoughts  in  language  of  his  own  selection,  which,  by  its  appro- 
priateness, expressed  what  he  wished  to  communicate  in  words 
plain,  chaste,  and  classical.  In  him  there  was  no  ostentatious 
show  of  learning,  though  it  was  evident  to  all  who  heard  him, 
with  attention,  that  he  was  no  stranger  to  literature  and  science. 

His  sermons  were  generally  of  a didactic  character,  and  on 
this  account  might  have  appeared  to  those  who  did  not  fully 
enter  into  his  views,  and  follow  his  chain  of  reasoning,  some- 
what dry  and  dull.  His  discourses,  however,  were  far  from 
being  dull  and  monotonous.  Though  much  accustomed  to  con- 
secutive  reasoning,  to  sustaining  his  propositions  by  logical 
deductions,  yet  his  ultimate  appeal  was  to  the  holy  Scriptures ; 
and  often  his  addresses  to  the  conscience  were  of  that  pungent 
character,  and  delivered  with  that  flow  of  eloquence  which 
made  the  sinner  tremble,  while  he  saw  swept  away  all  “his 
refuges  of  lies.5’  On  one  of  these  occasions,  I remember  to 
have  heard  him  in  this  city,  in  the  Forsyth-street  church,  when, 
after  having  substantiated  the  truth  of  his  doctrine  by  apposite 
texts  of  Scripture,  and  a close  chain  of  reasoning,  he  suddenly 
turned  upon  his  audience,  and  commenced  one  of  those  elo- 
quent and  pathetic  appeals,  which  poured  upon  them  like  a 
resistless  torrent,  and  bore  them  away  upon  the  stream  of  truth 
almost  whether  they  would  or  not.  A minister,  sitting  within 
the  railing  of  the  altar,  found  himself  unconsciously  extending 
his  arms  to  snatch  the  sinner  from  his  impending  ruin,  and  to 
carry  him  to  the  Lord  Jesus  for  salvation. 

His  manner  in  the  pulpit  was  solemn,  graceful,  and  dignified  ; 
his  enunciation  clear  and  impressive  ; and  all  his  gesticulations 
corresponded  to  the  purity  and  importance  of  the  cause  in 
which  he  was  engaged.  Perhaps,  when  unembarrassed,  he 
came  as  near  to  the  perfection  of  a Christian  pulpit  orator,  as 
any  which  can  be  found  among  the  ministers  of  the  sanctuary. 
He  never  demeaned  himself  nor  degraded  the  dignity  of  the 
place  and  the  subject,  by  descending  to  quirks  and  witty  say- 
ings to  tickle  the  fancy  of  the  facetious,  nor  spoke  with  a view 
to  produce  a momentary  effect,  or  to  elicit  the  shout  o applause. 
To  this  disgraceful  finesse,  so  unbecoming  the  time,  the  place, 
the  subject,  and  the  end  of  preaching,  Dr.  Fisk  never  stooped  ; 
but  his  air  was  solemn,  his  attitude  grave,  his  words  sober,  his 
arguments  sound,  and  his  entire  object  seemed  to  be  to  bring 
sinners  to  God,  and  to  build  believers  up  in  all  holy  living. 

5.  Dr.  Fisk  wielded  a powerful  pen.  The  few  printed  sojy 


20 


mons  he  has  left  behind  him  bespeak  for  him  the  sound  divine, 
the  able  advocate  of  revealed  truth,  and  the  fearless  defender  of 
experimental  and  practical  religion. 

In  his  controversial  writings — and  who  can  avoid  contro- 
versy?— while  he  manfully  combatted  error  and  defended  what 
he  considered  the  truth  in  a style  of  independence  becoming 
the  ambassador  of  Jesus  Christ,  he  was  respectful  and  courte- 
ous toward  his  antagonists. 

Though  it  may  be  admitted  that  in  some  instances  he  was 
careless  in  stating  his  arguments,  and  not  sufficiently  guarded 
against  the  insiduous  attacks  of  some  with  whom  he  was  called 
to  contend,  yet  the  acuteness  of  his  intellect  and  the  force  of 
his  genius  were  never  more  eminently  displayed  than  in  his 
Calvinistic  Controversy,  and  in  his  Address  to  the  Members  of 
the  New-England  Conference.  He  wrote,  indeed,  as  one  who 
believed  what  he  put  to  paper,  breathing  into  his  sentences  the 
inspiration  of  truth  and  sincerity,  and  pouring  forth  the  streams 
of  argument  and  illustration  with  that  earnestness  and  logical 
precision  which  cannot  but  enlighten  and  convince  the  judgment. 

Toward  the  close  of  his  life  he  was  engaged  in  a very  deli- 
cate controversy,  in  conducting  which  he  sometimes  suffered 
no  little  reproach.  Though  Dr.  Fisk  was  the  last  man  who 
should  have  provoked  reproachful  language,  yet  he  bore  it  with 
that  meekness  and  submission  which  became  the  Christian  mi- 
nister, and  finally  testified  on  his  dying  bed,  that,  though  he 
may  have  erred  in  some  of  his  expressions,  he  was  fully  con- 
firmed in  the  truth  of  his  doctrines,  as  it  was  principle , not 
victory , for  which  he  had  contended. 

We  may  therefore  safely  commend  him  as  a writer  for  an 
example  to  others,  and  his  writings  as  worthy  of  being  read 
and  had  in  remembrance. 

6.  Instead  of  towering  above  his  fellows  by  an  exhibition  of 
any  one  talent  of  superior  strength  and  brilliancy,  in  him  were 
concentrated  that  cluster  of  excellencies  which  constituted  a 
nicely  balanced  mind,  admirably  adapted  to  the  variety  of  calls 
which  were  made  upon  his  time  and  abilities.  This  concentra- 
tion of  excellences  created  that  symmetry  of  character  which 
so  beautifully  displayed  itself  on  all  occasions,  and  so  eminently 
fitted  him  to  move  in  the  various  circles  of  usefulness  in  which 
he  was  called  to  exercise  his  gifts. 

Though  he  may  not  have  been  so  thoroughly  versed  as  some 
others,  who  had  devoted  themselves  more  exclusively  to  any 


21 


one  department  of  literature,  in  metaphysics,  in  a knowledge  of 
the  languages,  or  in  mathematical  science ; yet  he  was  suffi- 
ciently acquainted  with  these  branches  of  knowledge  to  enable 
him  to  unravel  the  sophistry  of  error,  to  detect  the  fallacies  of 
subtle  antagonists,  and  to  state  and  defend  the  truth  with 
clearness  and  precision.  With  this  well-balanced  and  well- 
disciplined  mind,  was  combined  that  moral  worth  of  character 
which  at  all  times  commanded  respect  and  inspired  confidence, 
and  that  fitted  him  for  the  various  fields  of  usefulness  in  which 
he  was  called  to  labor.  And  in  the  exercise  of  these  gifts,  it 
was  evident  that  he  studied  to  be  useful  rather  than  great , 
though  it  is  equally  manifest  that  his  greatness  of  character 
resulted  from  the  usefulness  of  his  life  and  labors. 

7.  But  that  which  characterized  Dr.  Fisk  among  his  fellows, 
and  rendered  him  so  eminently  useful,  was  the  deep  vein  of 
evangelical  piety  which  ran  through  all  his  performances,  and 
exerted  a hallowing  influence  over  his  own  mind  and  the  minds 
of  others.  This,  as  I have  before  remarked,  blended  itself  in 
his  private  studies,  mingled  in  his  social  intercourse,  graced 
and  sanctified  all  his  public  administrations,  whether  in  the 
pulpit,  on  the  platform,  or  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties  as  pre- 
sident of  the  university.  And  though  no  stranger  to  the  weapon 
of  satire,  which  he  wielded  sometimes  with  tremendous  eflect3 
yet  it  was  manifest  that  the  same  hallowed  end  was  had  in 
view  in  the  use  of  this  sharp  and  dangerous  weapon,  as  when 
he  dealt  in  the  more  sober  and  dignified  accents  of  direct  truth 
and  argument. 

8.  In  his  social  intercourse  he  sweetly  blended  the  meekness 
of  the  Christian  and  the  gravity  of  the  minister  with  the  urba- 
nity of  the  gentleman  and  the  graces  of  the  scholar.  Though 
too  conscientious  and  independent  to  compromise  the  truth  from 
deference  to  the  opinions  of  others,  yet  he  always  treated  their 
judgment  with  becoming  respect,  and  uttered  his  dissent  with 
that  modesty  and  diffidence  which  indicated  a sense  of  his 
fallability  and  sincere  desire  to  know  the  right.  To  the 
common  courtesies  of  life  he  was  never  inattentive,  well  know- 
ing that  Christianity  distinguishes  her  children  no  less  by  the 
“ gentleness”  of  their  manners,  and  the  delicate  attentions  to 
the  niceties  of  relative  duties,  than  she  does  by  the  sternness  of 
her  requirements  in  favor  of  purity  of  motive  and  conduct.  He 
was  therefore  equally  removed  from  that  vulgar  rudeness 
which  marks  the  clown,  and  that  disgusting  familiarity  which 


22 


obtrudes  itself,  unasked  and  undesired,  into  the  privacies  of 
others.  In  him  were  united  the  delicacies  of  refined  life,  with 
the  strong  and  unyielding  principles  of  Christian  integrity  and 
ministerial  gravity. 

9.  Though  inspired  with  that  spirit  of  Catholicism  which 
embraces  all  denominations  as  constituting  one  Christian  bro- 
therhood, he  was,  nevertheless,  cordially  attached  from  principle 
to  the  doctrine,  discipline,  and  usages  of  the  Church  to  which 
he  belonged,  and  of  which  he  was  such  a distinguished  orna- 
ment. Wesley  he  venerated  as  the  first  man  of  his  age,  as  the 
greatest  of  modern  reformers,  as  a sound  divine,  and  as  one 
of  the  most  evangelical,  laborious,  and  successful  ministers  of 
Jesus  Christ.  He  fully  believed  that  the  doctrine  and  discipline 
of  the  Church  Wesley  was  instrumental  of  founding  in  America 
were  orthodox  and  Scriptural,  and  therefore  admirably  calcu- 
lated to  spread  holiness  and  happiness  through  the  land. 
Hence  he  labored  indefatigably  to  promulgate  its  doctrine,  to 
establish  its  government,  and  to  extend  its  influence. 

He  loved  the  itinerant  ministry  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church.  No  more  conclusive  proof  could  he  have  given  of 
this  than  he  did,  by  adhering  to  it  “through  good  and  evil 
report,”  so  long  as  the  church  called  him  to  labor  in  that  field ; 
and  when  called  by  his  brethren  to  a more  restricted  sphere  of 
action,  his  official  duties  by  no  means  deprived  him  of  the 
privilege  he  prized  so  highly  of  going  forth  as  an  itinerant 
minister  in  quest  of  the  “ lost  sheep  of  the  house  of  Israel.” 
He  who  might  have  commanded  thousands  of  dollars,  had  he 
chosen  to  attach  himself  to  another  ministry,  “ chose  rather  to 
suffer  affliction”  with  these  comparatively  poor  “ people  of 
God,”  “ esteeming  the  reproach  of  Christ,”  as  borne  by  a Me- 
thodist itinerant  “greater  riches  than  the  treasures”  he  might 
have  secured  to  himself  in  another  department  of  ministerial 
labor.  And  though,  after  he  accepted  of  the  presidency  of  the 
Wesleyan  University,  he  had  a most  luring  offer,  so  far  as 
pecuniary  consideration  was  concerned,  to  take  charge  of  an- 
other literary  institution,  yet  he  declined  the  honor  because  he 
loved  that  which  bore  the  name  of  Wesley,  from  a hope  that 
he  could  there  more  effectually  build  up  Wesleyan  Method- 
ism, by  training  its  sons  in  the  principles  and  practice  of  that 
apostolic  man,  and  because  he  had  already  pledged  his  best 
endeavors  to  promote  its  literary  and  religious  interests.  While 
therefore  he  gave  the  right  hand  of  fellowship  to  all,  of  every 


23 


name,  who  “loved  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  in  sincerity,”  he  mani- 
fested his  preference  for  the  ministry  and  doctrines  of  his  own 
church,  by  cleaving  to  them  to  the  end  of  his  life. 

10.  It  remains  only  that  we  look  at  him  as  the  head  of  the 
Wesleyan  University.  Here  he  seemed  to  be  the  centre  of 
attraction  to  all  connected  with  the  institution,  whether  as 
professors,  directors,  or  as  students.  His  counsel  was  respected, 
his  precepts  observed,  and  his  example  considered  worthy 
the  imitation  of  all.  He  ruled  more  from  the  love  and  respect 
which  were  felt  and  entertained  for  his  character,  than  from  a 
fear  of  his  frown,  though  the  latter  was  dreaded  in  exact  pro- 
portion to  the  esteem  felt  for  his  exalted  worth. 

His  inaugural  address  developed  the  principles  on  which  the 
government  of  the  university  would  be  conducted;  and  the 
paternal  manner  in  which  these  principles  were  practically 
illustrated  gave  a character  to  the  institution  which  secured 
the  affection  and  commanded  the  respect  of  all  interested  in  its 
prosperity ; and  perhaps  no  student  ever  left  his  alma  mater 
without  being  impressed  with  a deep  sense  of  his  obligations 
to  its  President  for  the  fatherly  solicitude  he  had  manifested  in 
his  literary,  intellectual,  and  religious  welfare. 

Placed  thus  at  the  head  of  an  institution  which  must  tell  for 
good  or  ill  on  the  destinies  of  so  many  immortal  beings,  he  felt 
the  responsibility  of  his  station,  and  acted  in  view  of  that  day 
when  he  must  render  an  “account  of  his  stewardship.”  And 
such  was  the  success  with  which  he  presided  over  the  literary 
and  religious  interests  of  those  committed  to  his  oversight,  and 
discharged  the  duties  of  the  high  trusts  confided  to  him,  that 
he  inspired  the  respect  and  confidence,  not  only  of  those  imme- 
diately connected  with  the  university,  but  of  the  public  at 
large,  as  well  as  those  who  held  a kindred  relation  to  similar 
institutions. 

Hence  his  death  is  considered  a loss  to  the  entire  community, 
The  impression  he  was  making  upon  the  public  mind  generally 
was  of  the  most  favorable  character,  and  the  lamentations 
made  on  hearing  the  news  of  his  death,  and  the  tones  of  sym- 
pathy expressed  by  others  than  those  connected  with  him  in 
church  fellowship,  show  that  the  community  generally  felt  a 
lively  interest  in  his  welfare,  and  therefore  sorrowed  “ most  of 
all  that  they  should  see  his  face  no  more.” 

Finally,  we  may  say,  that  “ Whatsoever  things  were  lovely 
pure,  and  of  good  report,”  in  religion  and  morals,  in  learning 


24 


and  science,  in  spirit  and  conduct,  were,  in  an  eminent  degree, 
concentrated  in  him,  and  sweetly  and  harmoniously  blending 
t heir  united  influence  in  his  heart  and  life,  gave  a symmetry; 
a finish  and  polish  to  his  character,  worthy  of  love  and  admi- 
ration ; and  although  as  a human  being  he  must  have  felt  and 
exhibited  the  common  infirmities  of  our  nature,  yet,  having- 
been  disciplined  by  education,  refined  by  grace,  and  improved 
by  reading  and  extensive  observation,  he  may  be  safely  held 
up  as  an  exemplar  for  the  imitation  of  the  Christian,  and  the 
minister  of  Jesus  Christ,  as  well  as  those  to  whom  are  commit 
t ed  the  interests  of  the  youth  of  our  land. 

Having  thus  given  evidence  of  his  wisdom  and  fidelity,  God 
made  him  “a  ruler  over  his  household,  to  give  them  their  por- 
tion of  meat  in  due  season.”  If  we  may  rely  upon  the  voice  of 
the  church  as  indicating  the  allotments  of  divine  Providence 
we  are  warranted  in  the  conclusion,  that  He  made  Dr.  Fisk  a 
“ ruler  over  his  household.” 

In  the  fifth  year  of  his  ministry,  as  we  have  already  seen,  he 
was  appointed  to  rule  over  a district  as  a presiding  elder,  and 
the  next  year  was  sent  as  a delegate  “ to  make  rules  and  regu- 
lations” for  the  church  of  his  choice.  He  then  was  selected  by 
the  voice  of  his  brethren  to  rule  over  the  Wilbraham  Academy 
whence  he  was  transferred  to  the  presidency  of  the  Wesleyan 
University.  Finally,  the  highest  gift  in  the  church  was  offered 
him  in  his  election  by  the  General  Conference  to  the  office  of  a 
bishop. 

The  doctrine  of  the  text  then  has  had  an  illustration  in  the 
life  and  conduct  of  Dr.  Fisk.  He  furnished  the  most  indubit- 
able evidence  of  being  a faithful  and  wise  steward  in  whatever 
relation  he  sustained  to  the  church ; and  hence  he  became,  in 
the  order  of  divine  Providence  and  grace,  a ruler  over  God’s 
household,  and  he  gave  them  their  portion  of  instruction  suited 
to  their  various  relations  and  circumstances  in  life,  until  his 
Lord  said  unto  him ; — “ Well  done,  thou  good  and  faithful  ser- 
vant; thou  hast  been  faithful  over  a few  things,  I will  make 
thee  ruler  over  many  things ; enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  thy 
Lord.”  Amen. 


